Page 28 of Call it Reckless

Needing a friendly face, I decided to stop at The Dogtrot. Emalee was generous and offered her bed-and-breakfast leftovers to any of the town’s first responders. We appreciated the generosity, and she had the benefit of making the residents know she had friends in good places, both for their safety…and for hers.

After I checked in at the station, I headed her way.

“Hey, Em,” I called as I walked past the front desk to the dining room, which was surprisingly empty. That’s what happened if you got here too late. The other guys had already cleaned her out.

Her response was a rushed greeting in return as she hurried into the kitchen. Shrugging, I grabbed a plate only to find there was nothing left but a biscuit and enough sausage gravy to cover half of it. It was better than nothing, especially since what I really wanted was her coffee. She used one of the blends roasted by the owner of Brew’s Clues. Why we didn’t support a local business at the station, I had no idea. Maybe I’d suggest it.

I grabbed a mug and filled it halfway before the flow trickled to a stop.

“Son of a bitch,” I mumbled. “Em?” I called. “You got any more coffee?”

Her flushed face peeked around the swinging door that led to the kitchen. “I’ve got some in here. Come on back.”

I took my meager portions and joined her in the kitchen. It surprised me to see plates still piled up in the huge sink. Zach was at the table, searching through a gym bag.

“Are you sure you didn’t see it anywhere?” he grumbled as he pulled on a wrinkled shirt. “Maybe it got mixed up with the laundry when I emptied this last.”

“For the last time, no, I haven’t seen it. You probably left it at the office. Or your car. Did you look there? Maybe it fell out when you pulled something out of your bag?”

“Good idea. I’ll check. If not, I’ll just have to use one of Doc’s.” He finally noticed me. “Hey, Reid. Bye Reid.” He paused next to Em, giving her a lingering kiss. “I’ll see you later, sunshine.”

Em collapsed into a chair as he left.

“What was that about?”

“He can’t find his stethoscope. I swear, ever since the remodel, it seems like we’re always losing something. We’ve been looking for the last fifteen minutes.”

“He’ll find it. If not, I’m sure there are more at the clinic.”

“You’re probably right.” I heard the tiredness in her voice. I drained my cup and took it to the dishwasher. While I was there, I started piling some of the other dishes in as well.

“Hey, what are you doing? Mama will get that. She’ll be back soon.”

She started to her feet, but I held up a hand.

“Sit. This will only take a minute. She can help with something else while you go take a nap.”

Her lips twisted. “Zach told you, didn’t he?”

I winked at her. “Girls aren’t the only ones who want to share exciting news.” I put one more bowl into the dishwasher. At least that only left things I knew she preferred to hand wash.

“I haven’t told anyone yet,” she pouted, rubbing a hand over her still-flat belly.

I came over and pulled her up into a hug. I couldn’t be happier that she and Zach were growing their family. “He’s excited. I’m really happy for you, too.”

She smiled and rested her head on my chest. “Thank you.” She lifted her head. “He’s worried, isn’t he?”

I hesitated, but she deserved the truth. “He is. He needed someone to confide in. I won’t lie and say I’m not either, but at least this time, you know what to watch for and have more people looking out for you. I don’t want to come over one morning and find you passed out, either before or after the baby.” I’d never forget finding her curled up in a ball on the floor of her tiny, attached living quarters when Iain was just a few days old. I’d been terrified I was going to lose my best friend.

“Believe me, I don’t want that either.”

My radio went off. I took a moment to listen and respond. “Looks like work calls. Thanks for the food.” I kissed her cheek and rushed out.

Eight minutes later, I met Zane down the block from Beverly Seymour’s house. A couple of other marked vehicles were at the other end of the block.

“What do we have?” I asked Zane.

He didn’t waste any time. “Beverly Seymour called in about ten minutes ago, stating she’d had an intruder last night.”

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